TWO security guards were punched and pushed to the ground as they filled up an ATM bank machine with cash by robbers wearing scarf bandanas.

The victims of the assault were inside the Co-op Late Shop at Windmill Hill in Runcorn, when two men entered the store with their faces covered.

The masked men pushed one of the guards to the floor and punched the other in the face during the attack at 10.30am on Friday. They grabbed cash cassettes from the machine before jumping into a grey Vauxhall Zafira which had an X-registration plate.

The pair then sped off and abandoned the car with the empty cassette boxes inside at Norton Wood Lane.

During the robbery, a red dye was activated from inside the cassettes which was later found in the vehicle, and may be visible on the offenders' clothing and the stolen cash.

Police also retrieved stolen cassettes at Red Brow Lane in Dares-bury and discovered that 'a quantity' of cash had been stolen from inside.

The first offender is described as 6ft tall, wearing dark clothing, with a slim build. His face and hair were covered by a scarf bandana.

The second man was also wearing dark clothes and his face and hair were covered with a scarf bandana.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of the robbery or who spotted anything at Norton Wood Lane or Red Brow Lane is urged to contact Jason Hill of Runcorn CID on 01244 613 934 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.